Lions K Patterson signed by Browns
CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Browns will be without kicker Dustin Hopkins for Thursday night’s game against the New York Jets – and maybe longer – because of a left hamstring injury as they try to clinch a playoff berth.
Hopkins, who has been one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers in his first season with the Browns (10-5), got hurt in Sunday’s win at Houston as he chased Texans returner Dameon Pierce on a 98-yard touchdown.
The Browns signed kicker Riley Patterson from the Detroit Lions’ practice squad on Monday and he’ll take over for Hopkins, who has made 33 of 36 field goals and all eight attempts beyond 50 yards.
Patterson has appeared in 37 games for Detroit and Jacksonville. He’s made 58 of 66 fieldgoal attempts.
Also, Browns rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been placed on injured reserve with a hip injury sustained against the Texans. Thompson-Robinson made three starts for Cleveland, which is on its fourth starting QB (Joe Flacco) because of
injuries.
Jets turn to QB Siemian with Wilson (concussion) out
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Trevor Siemian will start a second consecutive game at quarterback for the New York Jets with Zach Wilson still in the concussion protocol.
Coach Robert Saleh ruled Wilson out Tuesday as the Jets prepare to face the Browns in Cleveland on Thursday night.
Siemian was 27 of 49 for 217 yards with a touchdown pass to Jason Brownlee and an interception in New York’s 30-28 victory over Washington on Sunday. He was 3 for 5 for 26 yards while helping lead the Jets on their final drive that was capped by Greg Zuerlein’s winning 54-yard field goal.
“Trev did some nice things in the game,” Saleh said. “He’s got so much play time under his belt, so it was great to just have a conversation with him and his recognition that he could’ve even done better. So, obviously, it is a short week but he’ll prepare the way he needs to.”